Heritage & culture

Famous artists of Norfolk

Georgia Dawson — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 16:03:33 +0000

Famous artists of Norfolk Georgia Dawson Wed, 06/13/2018 - 16:03

Norfolk is a county of art and culture. With almost 1000 artists based in Norfolk, from music to sculpture to paint, Norfolk offers a fantastic array of arts festivals, exhibitions, shows and events throughout the year. Below are a few of the key artists who made Norfolk the cultural hub it is today.

John Crome (22nd December 1768 – 22nd April 1821)

Born in Norwich in 1768, John Crome was an English landscape artist and etcher of the Romantic Era. Crome lived in Norwich until his death in 1821 and a lot of his work was focused around the beautiful Norfolk landscape. It is believed Francis Whistler, who was a house, coach and sign painter in Norwich, taught Crome about paints and how to mix them when he became an apprentice at the age of 14. At this point, he also made friends with Robert Ladbrooke who worked for a printing and engraving company. Crome and Ladbrooke loved painting and due to not being able to afford lessons, they taught themselves. Developing and bettering his skills, Crome mainly painted in oils and together Crome and Ladbrooke went on to form the Norwich School of Painters movement in 1803, the first regional art movement in England (although Crome is often seen as the main founder and became the president of the society in 1808). He also taught at the Norwich School, a selective English independent school established in 1096. Crome’s work can be seen at the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery and the Tate Britain.

John Thirtle (22nd December 1777 – 30th December 1839)

John Thirtle, known for his miniaturism and watercolour paintings, was born in Norwich in 1777 and spent nearly his entire life in the city. He moved to London to start an apprenticeship in 1799 where he learnt how to make frames. After completing his apprenticeship, Thirtle returned to Norwich and began making picture frames and prints in a shop on Magdalen Street. He went on to become a member of the Norwich School of Painters, where he was vice-president between 1806 and 1812. He was elected as president of the society in 1814, however in 1816, Thirtle, alongside Robert Ladbrooke and other members, decided to separate from the society and create their own, the Norfolk and Norwich Society of Artists. Thirtle’s work can be seen in the Tate Britain.

John Sell Cotman (16th May 1782 – 24th July 1842)

John Sell Cotman was a Norwich-born landscape painter and etcher. After attending the Norwich School, he moved to London in 1798, aged just 16, and became a member of ‘The Monroe Circle’. Cotman mainly used watercolours to create his masterpieces and aged 18, Cotman exhibited his work in the Royal Academy of Arts, before travelling around England, Wales and Yorkshire painting landscapes. In 1806, Cotman returned to Norfolk and joined the Norwich School of Painters and became the president of the society in 1811. Cotman lived on the coast of Great Yarmouth from 1812 to 1823 and studied the beautifully natural form of waves, before moving back to Norwich. In 1825, Cotman became an Associate of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours and in 1834, Cotman was selected to be Master of Landscape Drawing at King's College School in London. Cotman’s work can be seen at the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery and the Tate Britain.

Frederick Sandys (1st May 1829 – 25th June 1904)

Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys was born in Norwich in 1829 and gained his love of painting from his father. He went to school at Norwich Grammar School and studied at the Norwich School of Design (now Norwich University of the Arts). Sandys was primarily a painter, illustrator and draughtsman. His drawings were exhibited at the Norwich Art Union from 1839 and he won Royal Society of Arts medals in 1846 and 1847. He subsequently moved to London and exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts and became acquainted with the Pre-Raphaelites (a secret society of young artists) in 1857. Sandy’s work can be seen in the Tate Britain.

Heritage & culture

Filming locations in Norfolk

Ms Georgia Dawson — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:44:05 +0000

Filming locations in Norfolk Ms Georgia Dawson Fri, 06/08/2018 - 12:44

With the gorgeous rolling countryside, miles of beautiful sandy beaches and the vibrant, historic city of Norwich at its heart, Norfolk has proven popular with filming. Various movies have been filmed in Norfolk over the years, starring famous actors such as James McAvoy, Keira Knightley and Robert Downey Jr. With miles and miles of beautiful varied landscape, it’s no wonder the following films chose Norfolk to film their production:

1. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The Avengers: Age of Ultron is an American film based on the popular Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The film was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film was written and directed by Joss Wheden and features famous actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannsson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Idris Elba and Samuel L. Jackson.

The film was shot in various cities in multiple countries, including Johannesburg in South Africa, New York City in the USA and Chittagong in Bangladesh. However, in June 2014 the team took to the University of East Anglia, in the heart of Norwich, to film some scenes.

2. The Duchess (2008)

The Duchess is a British drama film based on Amanda Foreman's biography of the 18th Century English aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. The film was directed by Saul Dibb and in 2009, the production received the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. The Duchess was produced by British Qwerty Films and American Magnolia Mae Films. The film features actors such as Keira Knightley and Dominic Cooper.

The film was shot at Twickenham Film Studios as well as on location at stunning Holkham Hall in Norfolk. The production also travelled to locates such as Bath, Somerset House and Kings College London.

3. Dad’s Army (1968-77)

Dad’s Army is a BBC sitcom, focusing around the British Home Guard during the Second World War. It was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and was distributed by BBC Worldwide 2entertain. The classic sitcom ran for nine series in total and starred actors such as Arthur Lowe, Clive Dunn and John Laurie.

Although the show was set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea on the south coast of England, most of the exterior shots were filmed in and around the Stanford Training Area near Thetford. In June 2018 a statue of Captain Mainwaring was erected in Thetford, paying tribute to the renowned British sitcom.

4. Stardust (2007)

Stardust is a film adaptation of novel by Neil Gaiman of the same name, which was written in 1999. The romantic fantasy adventure movie was directed by Matthew Vaughn and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film stars famous actors such as Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller and Michelle Pfeiffer.

The filming took place at Pinewood Studios, as well as on location at Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. However, some scenes were also shot on Elm Hill in Norwich, due to the beautiful Tudor and medieval buildings, some dating back as far as the 11th Century.

5. Atonement (2007)

Atonement is a British romantic war drama film, based on Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel of the same name. The film was produced by Working Title Films and directed by Joe Wright. It was distributed by Universal Studios (Focus Features in North America). The film stars actors such as James McAvoy, Keira Knightley and Vanessa Redgrave.

Some of the war scenes were Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and also Denver, Norfolk. Denver is a small village, located around 1 mile south of Downham Market and 37 miles west of the city of Norwich.

6. 45 Years (2015)

45 Years is a British romantic drama film and is based on the short story ‘In Another Country’ by David Constantine. The film was written and directed by Andrew Haigh and was produced by Tristan Goligher. The film was distributed by Artificial Eye and stars actors Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.

45 Years documents the turbulent life of a retired Norfolk couple over a period of six days. Shots of London Street, St Benedict’s Street, the Royal Arcade and the Assembly Rooms, all located in Norwich, are featured throughout the film.

Heritage & culture

Norfolk History - The Romans

Georgia Dawson — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:19:33 +0000

Norfolk History - The Romans Georgia Dawson Thu, 05/10/2018 - 16:19

Norfolk has a rich history of invasion and conquest; however it was the Romans who got here first and make their mark on the country. Boudicca was queen of the Iceni people of East Anglia. She was married to Prasutagus, ruler of the Iceni. When the Romans conquered southern England in AD 43, they let Prasutagus continue to rule.

However when he died in AD 59 or 60, the kingdom was split in two – Prasutagus left one half to Roman emprorer Nero and the other to Boudicca. Under Roman law, a woman had no right to inherit her husband’s property. Therefore, the Romans decided to rule Iceni and took all the tribe’s belongings.

In AD 60, Roman governor Gauis Suotonius Paulinus headed a campaign in North Wales and backed by her anger, Boudicca and the Iceni revolted against the oppressors.

Boudicca’s hordes defeated the Roman Ninth Legion and destroyed the capital of Roman Britain at the time, Colchester. They went on to destroy London and St Albans, before surrendering to Paulinus.

The defeat contributed to the 350-year period of Roman rule of Britain. Some sites of this period include:

Huge hillforts - Gallows Hill, Thetford and Warham Camp, north of Fakenham

This site was once a location of a major ceremonial centre that Boudicca would have known.

Huge hillfort, Warham Camp, north of Fakenham.

Icknield Way, Snettisham

The ancient trackway may have been named after the Iceni.

River Ouse

The river’s original name was the River Iken, which is where the name Iceni might have derived from.

Brettenham, Peddars Way, east of Therford

This site used to be a Roman settlement and was built by in order to quckly transport troops up to The Wash and Brancaster, where they had a fort protecting North Norfolk.

Caister St Edmunds

At Caister St Edmunds, there are tall flint walls of a Roman Town. The town is on the route of the Boudicca Way, between Norwich and Diss.

Burgh Castle

Visitors can stand among massive Roman flint walls overlooking Breydon Water, just inland from Great Yarmouth. Sections of the gateway and defences of another fort can also be seen at Caister-on-Sea.

Heritage & culture

Heritage Spotlight of Norfolk

Georgia Dawson — Fri, 04 May 2018 12:45:23 +0000

Heritage Spotlight of Norfolk Georgia Dawson Fri, 05/04/2018 - 12:45

With a wide range of museums and historical sites, Norfolk is a thriving city of heritage and culture. From fascinating castles to spectacular stately homes, there's an amazing heritage to discover in Norfolk. Below are some of Norfolk's heritage spotlights...

Halls, estates and gardens:

Blickling Estate

Blickling Hall is a breath-taking Jacobean mansion with ancient yew hedges. The hall sits at the heart of a glorious garden and historic park in the stunning Bure meadows. Anne Boleyn was born at Blickling Estate and during the Second World War, the estate’s owner, Lord Lothian, influenced the actions of Churchill while RAF air crew were billeted there. The mansion was built 1616-24 and its owners have included Sit John Fastolf and Geoffrey Boleyn, who was the grandfather of Anne Boleyn.

Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park

Felbrigg Hall is one of the most elegant houses in East Anglia. Accompanied by a lake, 520 acres of woodland and walk trails, Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park is a fantastic place to explore nature, wildlife and discover the true beauty of Norfolk. The hall is full of surprises and really feeds the imagination.

Holkham Hall

In the heart of the 25,000 acre estate on the north Norfolk coast lies the spectacular Holkham Hall. The hall is an 18th century Palladian style house, based on designs by William Kent and built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. The house remains privately owned and is lived in by the Earls of Leicester. The Coke family have lived in Holkham Hall since the 1750s, although at Holkham since 1612.

Historic sites:

Walsingham Abbey Grounds at Walsingham Abbey Grounds & The Shirehall

The garden and grounds surrounding Walsingham Abbey are renowned for the fascinating ruins of the medieval Priory of the Lady of Walsingham. In the late 17th century, a county house, known as Walsingham Abbey, was built over part of the ruins. The house was enlarged in the 19th century, and a landscaped park was created around it. The Shirehall, which until the late 18th century was Walsingham’s Georgian Courtroom, is now a local museum where you can discover the stories of local law and order, view interesting historic photographs and artefacts and learn about the history of the pilgrimage in Walsingham since medieval times.

The Langham Dome

The Langham Dome was built in 1842-43 on the edge of RAF Langham. The Dome was used to teach trainees how to shoot down enemy aircraft during World War II. Moving images were projected onto the inside of the Dome and is one of only a few anti-aircraft domes remaining in the UK. The Dome was officially opened as a visitor attraction on 19th July 2014 and its mission is to teach the public about the significance of the dome and RAF Langham in the defence of Britain during and after World War II. It also allows the public to remember and pay respects to the service personnel who made sacrifices during the war.

Grime's Graves Prehistoric Flint Mine

Grime’s Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to the public in Britain. The grassy lunar landscape represents the visible remains of 433 mines and pits, which was first named Grim’s Graves by the Anglo-Saxons. In 1870, one of them was excavated and that lead to the discovery of their age – the flint mines were dug over 5,000 years ago. When visiting the graves, you can learn about the history of the fascinating site, as well as descend 9 metres by ladder into one of the excavated shafts to see the flint. Since the 1850s, at least 28 mines and pits have been excavated.

Castles:

Baconsthorpe Castle

The site of Baconsthorpe was first acquired from the Bacon family by William Baxter in the early 15th century. The inner gatehouse, the earliest castle building, was begun by William’s son, John, a lawyer who had risen to prominence as a supporter and agent of William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk. He changed the family name to Heydon to disguise his lowly origins. John’s son, Sir Henry Heydon, completed and extended the castle, which involved adding a garden court in the early 16th century. The castle became their main residence in around 1450 and the Heydon family lived there foe 200 years. The Heydon family initially made their money from being lawyers, but the main source of their income came from the wool industry. The family accumulated large debts however, and this results in the castle being demolished in 1650.

Castle Rising Castle

Castle Rising is one of the most famous 12th century castles in England. Built in around 1140AD, the stone keep is amongst the finest surviving examples of its kind in the country. The castle was started in 1138 by William d’Albini for his new wife, the widow of Henry I. William d'Albini was one of the Norman barons who supported William the Conqueror in his conquest of England in 1066. In return for his support, William gifted d'Albini vast estates in Norfolk. In the 14th century, the castle became an exile-place to Queen Isabella, following her alleged participation in the murder of her husband Edward II. The castle was passed to the Howard family in 1544 and it remains in their possession today. Over the years, the castle has also served as a hunting lodge and housed a mental patient in the 18th century.

New Buckenham Castle

The New Buckenham Castle was built by William d’Albini, the Norman baron who also built Castle Rising. To defend his estates in south Norfolk, he built a castle at Buckenham, a Saxon settlement south of Attleborough. The ringwork contains the oldest, and maybe the largest, Norman circular keep in the country. The castle has two baileys; the east bailey is the oldest and was reached via an east gateway which was destroyed in the 13th century. The second bailey was constructed to the southwest, alongside a gatehouse and barbican-like defensive enclosure. The casle was besieged twice in the 13th and 15th centuries, before the Parliament ordered the castle destroyed in 1649.

Heritage & culture

Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018

Georgia Dawson — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:14:55 +0000

Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018 Georgia Dawson Fri, 03/16/2018 - 10:14

Head to the Norfolk and Norwich Festival this May for 16 days of extraordinary artists, transformed spaces and inspirational events. From music to literature, visual arts to circus, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival will blow you away this year. From the 11th - 27th May, events will be held all over Norwich and Norfolk so be sure to keep an eye out for events around you.

And this year, we are pleased to be Associate Sponsors of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival!

Below are a handful of events happening around Norwich and Norfolk. For a full list of the 79 events and more information, please head to the Norfolk and Norwich Festival website.

If you like music...

London Philharmonic OrchestraMonday 21st May, 19:30St Andrew's HallTickets from £10

If you like circus...

ShiftWednesday 16th - Saturday 29th MayThe Adnams SpiegeltentTickets from £15

If you like stories...

The Isle of BrimskerTuesday 15th - Saturday 19th May, 11:00 - 13:30The GarageTickets £10

If you like literature...

12 Steps from GeniusFriday 25th May, 18:00Literature TentTickets £8

If you like art...

Damien Hirst: Colour Space Paintings & Outdoor SculpturesSunday 25th March - Sunday 15th JulyHoughton HallTickets £18

Heritage & culture

National Trust - Norfolk

Laura Foster — Fri, 27 May 2016 14:00:41 +0000

National Trust - Norfolk Laura Foster Fri, 05/27/2016 - 14:00

If you are a National Trust member, you will be especially pleased to hear – Norfolk has a wide variety of top attractions for you to visit....

Whether you simply want to enjoy wide open spaces, visit stunning gardens, be amongst an abundance of wildlife or explore Jacobean mansions check out the National Trust places for you to discover listed below……

Oxburgh Hall, (see image above) near Kings Lynn is a romantic moated manor house built by the Bedingfeld family in the 15th century and still lived in today. It is rich in catholic history with a hidden priest hole and surrounded by beautiful gardens.01366 328258. Oxburgh PE33 9PS.

Blakeney Nature Reserve is one of the largest expanses of coastline in Europe. The ever-changing tides and abundance of wildlife mean that no two visits are the same. Follow the Norfolk coastal path for uninterrupted views or take a boat trip to Blakeney Point and spot the seals basking in the sunlight.01263 740241. Morston NR25 7BH.

Sheringham Park guarantees you fabulous views of North Norfolk, open all year round and with over 80 species of rhododendrons, you will enjoy a colourful backdrop for your long walk or leisurely stroll.01263 820550. Upper Sheringham NR26 8TL.

At Blickling Hall Estate, there is so much to explore and has something for everyone. Once the home of the Boleyn family, now a proud Jacobean mansion complete with a 5000 acre parkland ideal for walking and cycling. 01263 738030. Nr Aylsham NR11 6NF.

Climb to the top of Horsy Windpump to enjoy beautiful views over Horsey Mere and the wider landscape, a great starting point when visiting the Norfolk Broads.01493 393450. Nr Great Yarmouth NR29 4EF.

The Elizabethan House in Great Yarmouth is an interactive museum reflecting the life and times of families who lived in this 16th century quayside building, from Tudor through to Victorian times, with lots of hands on activities for children and adults.01493 855746. Great Yarmouth NR30 2QH.

Felbrigg Hall Estate is a place of surprises and delights, with a mixture of wealth and homeliness, every room has something different to share. The rolling landscape boasts parkland, formal gardens, and a decorative walled garden that provides fresh fruit and vegetables and inspiration for all.01263 837444. Nr Norwich NR11 8PR.

Go wild at Brancaster Activity Centre on the North Norfolk Coast. They welcome all to try various activities including sailing, kayaking and raft building.01485 210719. Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BW.

Enjoy some stunning views over North Norfolk at West Runton and Beeston Regis Heath – With the woodlands changing throughout the year, visit anytime to discover a magical variety of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies. Also the perfect spot, for a picnic.01263 820550. West Runton NR27 9ND.

Heritage & culture

The Norfolk and Norwich Festival

Lucy Downing — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:56:44 +0000

The Norfolk and Norwich Festival Lucy Downing Tue, 03/15/2016 - 12:56

A riot of awe-inspiring talent and entertainment is approaching…

A trip to the theatre is something that has always given me a thrill. From an early age, I have been lucky enough to have accompanied grandparents, parents and friends to a variety of shows - spanning everything from Shakespeare and ballet to plays and musicals. I once graced the stage too, and now have the pleasure of watching my daughter dance and perform. Oh, how I wish my son would give it a go too!

Anyway, that’s by the by.

In Norfolk, we’re extremely fortunate to have a year-round, rich cultural calendar of events and a large number of theatres to host them – think the Theatre Royal, Playhouse, Maddermarket and Puppet Theatre in Norwich, and the Sheringham Little Theatre, Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre and Great’s Yarmouth’s Hippodrome and Britannia Pier on the coast. And that’s naming just a few.

But come May, things get cranked up just a tad, with the launch of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. An event that takes over the entirety of Norwich and beyond, it promises unique experiences, original commissions and some of the best international artists and performers on the planet.

As William Galinsky, Artistic Director of the Festival, explains, “It’s not surprising that so many of our audience eagerly anticipate the Festival programme each year. We bring you events and experiences you simply could not have at any other time. Not only is Norfolk & Norwich Festival one of the region’s best loved celebrations of the arts, it is increasingly seen as one of the most important arts festivals in the UK.”

Ranging from a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest in a Victorian circus hippodrome to a live recreation of The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour at Norwich Theatre Royal, and a pedal-powered cinematic car chase to the National Theatre of Scotland’s epic The James Plays, this is 17 days not to be missed.

What are you waiting for?

For more information and to book tickets click here, and to search our available cottages click here. But hurry, tickets sell fast.

Heritage & culture

Our Deep History Coast

Lucy Downing — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:11:48 +0000

Our Deep History Coast Lucy Downing Wed, 02/17/2016 - 14:11

A new reason to visit Norfolk…

We all know about the Jurassic Coast down in Dorset – rich in fossil finds and perfect for beach-combing. However, did you know about the Deep History Coast in Norfolk? I didn’t think so!

To explain, we need to head back a few hundred thousand years ago, to a time when Norfolk was connected to the continent. Picture sabre-toothed tigers, mammoths, spotted hyenas and macaque monkeys.

The gradual coastal erosion and tidal activity of recent years has begun to unveil new secrets about this era, making the area of coastline stretching from Cromer to Happisburgh of greater historical significance than that of down south. Finds include an almost complete skeleton of a Steppe Mammoth at West Runton, 850,000 year-old ancient human footprints at Happisburgh, 550,000 year-old flint hand axes, 850,000 year-old flint tools and rare fossils of some of the animals listed above.

Plans are afoot to secure funding to allow the story to be told to visitors through monuments, touch points and reality technology. Hopefully soon, you will be able to stand on a clifftop on the east coast, hold your laptop or mobile up in front of you and witness the landscape as it would have been in ancient times. I simply can’t wait.

I also tend to agree with Jill Cook of the British Museum, who says, “We think Norfolk is punching below its weight and this should become the Mecca for people to come to if they want to find out about the early occupation of Europe.”

After all, the Happisburgh footprints are proof that Norfolk was one of the earliest destinations to welcome tourists. Shouldn’t we all wish to follow in their footsteps…?

Heritage & culture

Full Of Old Stuff!

Lucy Downing — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:07:15 +0000

Full Of Old Stuff! Lucy Downing Thu, 02/04/2016 - 14:07

Face it… Norfolk is full of old stuff. And I don’t mean weathered fishermen or elderly people playing bridge (although I’m sure you could spot them if you tried!). When I refer to old, I mean really old – imagine castles, Jacobean houses and dinosaurs.

Let’s start from the beginning…

During the tidal surges a couple of years ago, human footprints dating back 850,000 years were discovered at Happisburgh (the oldest outside of Africa). So, Norfolk was officially the first place in Europe to welcome tourists!

Then there’s the mammoth skeleton found at West Runton – the most complete specimen discovered throughout the world and the oldest find within the UK.

If we hop and skip past a few centuries, we can cast our eyes over Norwich. With its Medieval street plan, Cathedral, Norman castle and an abundance of churches greater than anywhere north of The Alps, the city makes for a perfect cultured weekend.

However, most probably my favourite of all are our collection of stately homes. From the Jacobean finery of Blickling Hall and the Georgian interior of Felbrigg Hall to the Palladian wonder of Houghton Hall and the elegant Holkham Hall with its beach and nature reserve – Norfolk certainly had a rich and splendorous past.

If you can find time during your visit to Norfolk, I recommend a day spent in one of our many fabulous Norfolk Museums. Norwich Castle is a must, as are the award-winning Time and Tide Museum at Great Yarmouth and Gressenhall Workhouse and Farm near Dereham. From fishing to piglets, dungeons to polar bears, there’s plenty to marvel at.

And I didn’t even mention Lord Horatio Nelson...

Heritage & culture

Tudor Walks

Laura Foster — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:47:15 +0000

Tudor Walks Laura Foster Tue, 02/03/2015 - 11:47

Recently The Times newspaper featured an article looking at 20 Tudor walks – routes through castles, ruins and stately homes………

When it comes to Norfolk we have a wealth of historic sites and great walking opportunities for you to discover - Houghton Hall, Holkham Hall, Walsingham Abbey Grounds, Oxburgh Hall, Sandringham, and Castle Acre Priory to name just a few.

Along with Windsor Castle in Berkshire, Linlithgow Palace in Scotland and Llanthony Priory in Wales, the two locations in Norfolk “The Times” selected were:-

Kings LynnThe town is a treasury of historic buildings, including the magnificent Trinity Guildhall built on chequered flint in the 1520s and the classical Custom House of 1683.In the Middle Ages, King’s Lynn benefited hugely from being a member of the Hanseatic League confederation of trading ports. Hanse House and Marriott’s Warehouse remain from that prosperous age, and notable Tudor buildings include red-brick Thoresby College with its courtyard and super timber roof, the early 16th century Red Mount Chapel, Clifton House’s fine five-storey watch tower, and St Annes Fort on the Fisher Fleet, built to defend the town against pirates and invaders. Three fantastic walks – which you should allow 1-2 hours for each:Hanseatic Trail = Custom House to Hanse HouseMaritime Trail = True’s Yard to Marriott’s WarehousePilgrimage Trail = Lynn Museum to King’s Lynn ChapelFor a holiday spot brim full of history, a vibrant town centre and sea port - check out our properties available for bookings within 10 miles of Kings Lynn.

Also Blickling

Blickling Hall is every inch the grand Jacobean mansion, but the house that stood here in Blickling Hall is every inch the grand Jacobean mansion, but the house that stood here in Tudor times belonged to Sir Thomas Boleyn. It’s very likely that his daughter Anne – was born at Blickling Hall around 1501 -1507 (although the exact date is uncertain) She was later executed in the Tower of London on May 19th 1536, at the orders of her disappointed husband, Henry VIII.There's a 4 ½ mile National Trust walk from the main car park that takes in St Andrew’s Church, the Ice House, Pond Meadow, Hercules Wood, Blickling Tower and the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire’s Pyramidal Mausoleum.Looking to visit the beautiful Blickling Estate, try out this walk, and discover more of North Norfolk – view our selection of properties found in the area.

Heritage & culture